Saudi Arabia denies reports of lifting ban on alcohol
A Saudi official denied on Monday media reports saying the Kingdom, which is the birthplace of Islam, would lift its 73-year-old ban on alcohol, which is prohibited for observant Muslims.
The multiple reports, which did not cite any sources, suggested the Kingdom would allow the controlled sale of alcohol as it prepares to host 2034 Fifa World Cup.
Officials previously confirmed that the 2034 Fifa World Cup would be a sobering experience for soccer fans, with no alcohol available. And not just at the stadiums, but also at the hotels and elsewhere throughout the nation, the Saudi ambassador to the United Kingdom confirmed.
Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud said supporters travelling to the tournament will have to respect the customs of the host nation, where alcohol consumption is strictly forbidden.
"Everyone has their own culture," he told the UK news site LBC. "We're happy to accommodate people within the boundaries of our culture but we don't want to change our culture for someone else."
Alcohol availability was a talking point ahead of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, where fans were only allowed to buy booze in hotels and designated fan parks but not inside the stadiums.
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